Thursday, 13 June 2019

French Lentil Salad



With Summer here, I wanted a alternative to the normal potato salad. I played around with some ingredients and came up with a delicious healthy salad. As humble and inexpensive as they are, lentils are a true super food. They are loaded with protein, fiber, iron and much more goodness. Their flavor is super earthy so go well with strong flavors, I paired fresh squeezed lime juice and olive oil, however you could used a strong red wine vinaigrette if you would like. I added roasted baby red potatoes, cucumber and a handful of mint to add a little zip!

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

Corn on the Cob - microwave method





I have been glamping the last few weeks and on one evening, I had both my burners occupied and it was raining outside.....I wanted to cook my corn and tried a new method, that worked perfectly!

Monday, 22 April 2019

Lemon Parmesan Asparagus


Asparagus is in season! Yay! I have another tasty recipe for you that got lot's of good reviews at our Easter dinner. Very easy to prepare ahead.

Thursday, 4 April 2019

Clams Carbonara


Everyone who knows Wee Bear (the hubster)... knows he loves pasta. One of his favorites is Pasta Carbonara. I love steamed clams....oh my gosh do I love clams! So....a recipe was born!

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Irish Lamb Stew

  

What could be more delicious than a bowl of heart warming Irish Stew? This is the favorite in Ireland and is loved all over the world! Irish stew is traditionally made with mutton (older sheep) but, nowadays, it is made more often with lamb....may seem like a waste but the flavor is amazing.

Friday, 1 March 2019

Bolognese Sauce


This sauce is the best sauce I have ever tasted! It is worth every minute! The layers of delicious flavor will delight your palate! I like to double the recipe and freeze in increments that we know we will use.

Making this very authentic Italian sauce is easy and requires no special skills. I perfected this bolognese sauce over several years. Adding this, taking out that. The end result is stunning and miles away from that awful tomato sauce from a jar.

This traditional spaghetti bolognese is a real winner. Your family will thank you for it!

Thursday, 7 February 2019

Cambozola Tarts




Blue cheese is one of Wee Bears favorite cheeses, he loves a couple tablespoons crumbles on his salad. He loves blue cheese on his hamburger.....he loves it! It is a cheese you love or hate! So, here comes a milder version. Cambozola has a particular mildness similar to a buttery triple creme or a brie. Cambozola is a combination of Camembert style cheese and Gorgonzola.  You sort of get half of each! You get a delicious mushroomy brie quality- it has delicious pockets of blue cheese, tiny little pockets....perfect for introducing someone to the world of "Blue".

Friday, 1 February 2019

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs





My mouth is watering as I sit finishing up this blog just in time for Super Bowl. I made these delicious baby back ribs a few months ago for football season. They are so delicious! Of course so tender because, as in my previous rib recipe, Baby Back Ribs, I used the instant pot. So much quicker than the oven or boiling method. The sauce contains a Hoisin sauce, similar flavors as in the  Asian Style Flankin Ribs  I made a year ago. You won't be disappointed, these are KILLER!

Sunday, 27 January 2019

Pork Piroshki




Pork Piroshki is a sure hit for any occasion!  The herbed pork filling wrapped in a cream cheese pastry is a one, two punch! These can be made ahead and frozen for 3 months. Just pop a few out when company comes, or when you just want a simple salad and some quick appies for dinner! I have been baking these for years and quite frankly do not know how they haven't made it to the blog until now! Just in time for Superbowl and Valentines day! This is my absolute favorite appetizer!

Sunday, 20 January 2019

BLT Stuffed Mushrooms



Pretty sure these delicious KETO friendly stuffed mushrooms will be a hit at the next party! Yes, Superbowl is around the corner and some of us are still taking off that holiday bulge! Whether you are or not, it doesn't matter, everyone loves this delicious dish!

Saturday, 5 January 2019

Swedish Meatballs! A FLASH BACK!!




 This is for Ross, our son-in-law. He said his Grandma used to make Swedish meatballs, I had a flashback!!! I used to make these little yummy balls for my family when I was in high school and continued making them after I was working in the 1970's. They are quick and yummy! I am not sure where my recipe came from, as I was in Home Economics in high school, and think possibly it came from class handouts?? I remembered a lot of the ingredients and tweeked it, to bring it into this decade!! 

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Cutout cookies that do not spread!


We have 7 days! These are fast and good!
What I wanted was a cookie that didn't spread!!! I was making Giant ginger bread men cutouts for the kiddo's to decorate after the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. I didn't want the baked cookie to spread or be soft. I researched on the internet and found many recipes that looked promising, but.....when I baked them, it was a no go!  Finally, I figured out a tasty, quick method!

Sunday, 25 November 2018

Instant Pot Turkey or Chicken Bone Broth


Whether you’re following SCD, AIP, GAPS, or just a healthy gut diet, you should be doing one thing: making and drinking bone broth regularly. 

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup- Jean George


This Butternut Squash Soup is Jean George's recipe, that I was privileged to observe in a cooking demo, years ago. Ten plus years later, I went to the famous Jean George's in New York, (Trump Hotel Central Park, first floor) and had this very soup!! Ever since then, I’ve fallen in love with Jean George's Butternut Squash Soup. I love the kick of the cayenne pepper!

Friday, 2 November 2018

Flemish Veal Stew




Hello! It's been a while! I took a month and a half break ....something I havent done in over 6 years! During my break, Wee Bear and I went to Nashville and Memphis ....LOVE! then we boarded a newly built paddle boat down the Mississippi River....I highly recommend this trip aboard the Duchess on American cruise line, we had the owners suite, however, all the suites and rooms or lovely on this boat. (not a ship) We met lots of fun people and ended the cruise in New Orleans. After arriving home in Seattle, we had five days to pack up and start our commute to our Winter home in Scottsdale. We took our time visiting family and friends the entire way, also, spending 4 nights in Laguna Beach(one of my favorite places). I'll post a couple photo's below.

Monday, 17 September 2018

Pear, Proscuitto and Brie Tart


This is so easy and and quick to make at the last minute, providing you have the ingredients on hand!

Thursday, 6 September 2018

Rhubarb and Peach Crostata


There is something about the look of this rustic tart that really wins, hands down for me!  To me rustic means unsophisticated, ragged and unpretentious. So often it is so much tastier as the dish is made from the heart with a special ingredient.......LOVE. Where the focus is sharing the love you have for people through the food you make for them, not through what it looks like.  Quote by Cesar Chavez

Tuesday, 21 August 2018

Rhubarb and Raspberry Crostata


I love making a galette or crostata! So easy to make, require only a few ingredients and does not require a lot of time.....however, presentation is spectacular! 

Tuesday, 14 August 2018

Instant Pot Summer Corn Chowder



This recipe is good for frozen corn, but, if fresh corn is available it is outstanding! I like to support my local farmers and buy at the roadside stand or at our local Farmer's Market.

Monday, 6 August 2018

Chicken Mango Peach Chutney Salad

 This is my favorite chicken salad! It screams SUMMER! Take it along to a picnic, BBQ or holiday gathering! Every time I make this salad I get rave reviews, everyone goes back for seconds. 

I find the chutney at the neighborhood grocery, it is Bonne Maman brand, but you can use any brand.


Saturday, 21 July 2018

Parmesan Panko Halibut Cheeks



I didn't need another reason to adore Mutual fish on Rainer Avenue in Seattle, however they provided me with a HUGE reason last week!! I stopped in to get a few pounds of Manilla clams for my tasty Chorizo Clams and Manilla Clams with bacon, yes, I make both ........I love them with bacon and the hubster loves them with chorizo. They are so quick to make, I don't really mind doing both versions, either in my instant pot or on the cook top and oh so yummy... Okay, okay...I'm getting off the subject....I was perusing the fish case while my clams were being packaged up and nearly fell over when I saw HALIBUT CHEEKS! WOWZER DOWZER! I quickly had my fish monger package up just under 3/4 pound for the following nights dinner. My fish monger telling me they are so hard to get, but, would gladly call me when they get them in and explaining that the halibut only have two cheeks and how rare they are.....this sort of had me giggling and wiggling ....imagining the halibut fish and their cheeks....

Sunday, 1 July 2018

Instant Pot Pasta BLT Salad



It is the time of the year when we are attending lot's of barbecues, birthday's, anniversaries, picnics, reunions and Summer holiday parties. I look forward to this time of year, lot's of fun with family and many potluck get togethers. Pasta salad is a family favorite, perfect along side of Barbecue Pulled Pork sandwiches, Barbecue Baby Back Ribs or Hamburger Sliders! This is a 30 minute start to finish salad! I made this for a annual family BBQ on Lake Chelan, it was a big hit! If you like pasta and BLT sandwiches, this salad is for you! 

Friday, 29 June 2018

Instant Pot Barbecue Pork Sandwiches



 I am gearing up for a BIG fourth of July celebration with family and friends and this is one of the favorites!

This Instant Pot recipe for Pulled Pork Sandwiches is the easiest and fastest! Who wants to wait all day smoking or slow cooking when you can have your sandwiches made perfectly in 2 hours?

Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Chorizo clams


For sure this is one of Wee Bears favorite dinners! The spicey chorizo is the perfect compliment to the succulent clam....yum!

I source my clams at Mutual Fish in Seattle, Washington. The store is about 10 minutes from my home. However, they will overnight ship and promise they will still be alive!

I have done these on my cook top and in my instant pot. If you would like to do yours in the instant pot, go to this link Instant Pot Chorizo clams.

I also like clams with bacon and a lemon thyme broth, that recipe for cook top is on this link Manilla clams with Bacon or made in the instant pot go to this link Instant Pot Manilla clams with Bacon.

Thursday, 31 May 2018

Instant Pot Brownies from a box



I made these delicious Instant Pot Ghirardelli Brownie bites recently for "Wee Bears" fraternity brothers along with the now famous Extreme Chocolate Chip Cookies.  The brothers come to our home annually for golf, fun and food. I flew to Seattle to be with my 97 year old Mom on Mother's day but, left them with these goodies! They gobbled up every single cookie and oowey gooey brownie.... growning with delight! 

Wednesday, 9 May 2018

Instant Pot Salmon with dill


The warm weather is here in the southwest! I like to lighten my meals up with fish, clams and chicken on warm days. With Mother's Day around the corner, this would be perfect for your beautiful Mother!

Thursday, 3 May 2018

No guilt Instant Pot Chocolate Applesauce cake


I am a self professed chocoholic and pretty much....everyone that knows me......knows! So, when I came across a version of applesauce cake with chocolate, I was skeptical. 

Friday, 27 April 2018

Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken


I love to make this one dish meal.....my kids had this at least once a week when growing up! Yes, you can buy in the store, but, nothing tastes and smells better than freshly roasted chicken.

Wednesday, 11 April 2018

Instant Pot Chicken Lentil Soup




If you are looking for a delicious soul warming soup, this is it! I made this a few weeks ago for the family, it was gone in minutes!

Saturday, 31 March 2018

Easter Wrap up!


  A fun cake to make with the kid's! this one takes a little time, but is worth it! Find complete instructions on this link Surprise Bunny Cake!


Monday, 19 March 2018

World Peace Cookies



The World Peace Cookie lives up to its name: If everyone had one, peace would reign o’er the planet. I’m convinced of this.

Thursday, 8 March 2018

Instant Pot Butter Chicken-Murgh Makhani


This creamy, fragrant tomato stew is a staple of Indian restaurant cooking, but it is traditionally labor intensive to make, requiring the meat to marinate overnight and simmer for as much as an hour. We have had this many times 

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Instant Pot Pasta Carbonara

 
Carbonara– is there a more simple meal that feels quite so utterly indulgent? I think not. It lifts bacon and eggs to their highest's heights and celebrates all that is wonderful about the comfort of carbs, the indulgence of a bit of fat and the sweet saltiness of cured (and preferably smoked) pancetta.

Friday, 23 February 2018

Instant Pot Shepards Pie


One of my favorite Irish foods is Shepard's Pie. It cooks up so quickly in the Instant Pot and I finish it in the oven. I like making individuals, but, you can make it in a oven proof medium size dish. Or completely in the instant pot.

Monday, 19 February 2018

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup


Split pea soup is never going to win the "Winter soup Olympics". The signature hue of mushy pea green will never be prized as fashionable by anyone but me. When I told Wee Bear I was making split pea soup, he said,"Why"? If you know

Thursday, 15 February 2018

Chicken Pot Pie Braid


Chicken Pot Pie Braid is all the classic flavors of a traditional pot pie, however it is enveloped in a delicious and easy pastry that will knock your guests socks off!

Friday, 9 February 2018

Instant Pot Chocolate Creme Brule'

 

What can be better than silky smooth creme brulee with rich chocolate? Creme brule' is so easy to make. Much easier than a cake or cookies, you don't even need to get out the mixer, everything stirs right together. You don't even need to water-bath this version! Make in the instant pot...in a instant!

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Chocolate Budino


What is a Budino?

Budino is a sweet Italian dish, usually rich and creamy like a custard or pudding, only better! The word originally referred to a type of medieval sausage, similar to English pudding. Budino is the Italian word for custard or pudding.

Monday, 29 January 2018

Super Bowl Round up 2018!

Whether you're a diehard New England Patriots or Philadelphia Eagles fan or you're just there for the food and commercials, this glorious game day roundup scores big time. No matter what you're craving — from a delicious Wingfest to Instant Pot Halftime Chili — these SUPERBOWL recipes will keep your crew satisfied from kickoff to MVP pick!  

Sunday, 28 January 2018

Instant Pot Winter Minestrone Soup


There are so many recipes for Minestrone soup, because there are so many different vegetables that you can use. This recipe is merely a guide, feel free to add or subtract ingredients ....and use what you have in the refrigerator. 

Sunday, 21 January 2018

Instant Pot Hard boiled Eggs


Instant Pot perfectly cooked, easy to peel eggs! Simple technique to perfect eggs!


Saturday, 20 January 2018

Instant Pot Asian Style Flankin Short Ribs




Although short ribs used to be seen as a less desirable cut of beef, they've risen in popularity, causing prices to also increase for this cut that used to be fairly inexpensive. So if you're now spending more for short ribs, it makes sense to get to know the two popular ways that they're cut, flanken and English style. Once you know the differences in appearance and how they should be cooked, you can buy the right cut for your recipe! 

Saturday, 13 January 2018

Instant Pot Disneyland Beef Stew




When you think of food at Disneyland, you might think of the Mickey Mouse ice cream, the hot dogs, the turkey legs or the pretzels, but, the real fans of the "Happiest Place on Earth" know that one of the real food stars is the Louisiana beef stew at New Orleans Square's French Market restaurant. And real cooking detectives know that you can totally recreate the dish at home in your Instant Pot!! Would you like in on this secret?

Thursday, 4 January 2018

Instant Pot Halftime Chili


This delicious chili was a winner in the Bon Appetit recipes sweepstakes, a reader poll conducted in honor of their 50th anniversary. I have adapted this yummy recipe to the Instant Pot! 

Monday, 1 January 2018

Anti Inflammatory Pineapple Pain Relief



I want to start off the New Year with a healthy drink that has changed my life in the last month. Sparing you the details, I have arthritis in my neck. Basically, it affected my quality of life having been a very active person. After a lot of different tests, physical therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture, manipulations on and on.....a friend and fellow hiker gave me this recipe. He told me that he has been on this for one year. Prior to using this juice he could not open a jar! His testimonial was when he went on holiday to Australia for a month and was not able to juice, his arthritis came back. The original recipe comes from a woman with MS, who was able to relieve her symptoms.

Thursday, 28 December 2017

Spicy Cashew's




 I had a request last night, so here it is Sarah! Just in time for New Years eve!

I made 2 lbs of these delicious Rosemary spicy cashews for Christmas and for a 1 week holiday trip in the snowy mountains with family. You will find these have just the right amount of rosemary, sweetness and a little kick!

Tuesday, 19 December 2017

Brussels Sproats and Cranberry Salad



One of my favorite salads contains brussels sprouts. This brussels sprouts salad can be made ahead because the brussels stand up so well to being dressed. It can be made for a first course, side or add a protein and make it a main course.

Sunday, 17 December 2017

Instant Pot Turkey Breast



I made this turkey breast a few days after Thanksgiving, because, we didn't cook on Thanksgiving! WHAT! Yep! I turned the reins over to my children a few years ago and they are doing a great job with planning and executing a perfect holiday! However......no left over turkey! So, I made a turkey breast in my Instant Pot. Juicy and delicious! 

I served with my JJ's favorite Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce and mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes link will give you timing for potatoes in the IP, you can choose to peel the russets or not peel the red potatoes. Rice the potatoes or smash with a potato masher; add cream, butter, salt and pepper.

Thursday, 14 December 2017

Melting Snowman cookies







Winter cookies! These cookies are sure to delight anytime during the Winter! Fun for the holidays!